Chairman/Chief Executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has appealed to the National Assembly for their continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the agency to deliver on its mandate.

He expressed appreciation to the parliament especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Marwa made the appeal on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th January when he led his management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the Agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively.

He equally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA.

“I wish to first appreciate the honorable chairman, the deputy chairman, and distinguished members of this esteemed committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year. This committee, under its able and dynamic chairman, has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment towards the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards the amendment of the NDLE Act is also highly appreciated.

“And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue to assist in our area of critical needs during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation.

“I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families. So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And we know that there are compelling demands from other MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA.

“I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency. I also wish to reaffirm the agency’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria.

“With your support, we are confident in our ability to enhance our operations and fulfill our mandate of safeguarding the security of our nation”, Marwa stated in his remarks while pleading for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel of the agency to enhance their security, dedication and performance.”

In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated Sixty-Seven Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Sixty-Three Naira Eighty Kobo (N67, 512, 564, 063.80), with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496.80; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017.00 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550.00.

He explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflects the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women, while the recurrent overhead cost covers the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions.

The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component to enable the agency continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country.

Marwa said: “The agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure. To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, including constructing barracks to accommodate its personnel, improve operational integrity and ensure security.

“Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration. Proper accommodation will enhance staff morale, ensure security, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate”

In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes.

“This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances. As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability. I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, the lawmaker stated.

Speaking in the same vein on Tuesday 14th January 2025, Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024.

“We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance”, the committee chairman stated, assuring of more support to enable the agency function effectively in the new year.”

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, in Kano State.

The disease, which affects various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls, and turkeys, has raised concerns over its potential spread in the region.

In a circular signed by Dr. Taiwo Olasoju, on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, authorities highlighted the heightened risk of transmission during this period.

“We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb the spread of the virus,” the circular stated.

Origins of the Outbreak

Dr. Usman Gwarzo, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kano State chapter, revealed how the outbreak started. He recounted an incident from December 2024 that sounded the alarm.

“A young man from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area purchased a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his flock of hens and chickens. The duck suddenly died, and shortly after, the chickens followed,” Dr. Gwarzo explained.

The carcasses were taken to the Gwale veterinary clinic, where avian influenza was suspected.

“Samples were sent for testing, and by the first week of January 2025, the results confirmed the presence of the virus,” he added.

Preventative Measures in Place

Although no cases have been reported from commercial poultry farms, stakeholders are not taking any chances. PAN Kano State chapter is collaborating with the government to raise awareness among poultry farmers and traders.

“We are urging farmers to avoid mixing birds from different sources, especially during this time. Biosecurity is critical. Farmers must disinfect their facilities regularly and report any unusual deaths immediately,” Dr. Gwarzo emphasized.

The circular also called for closer monitoring of poultry populations to detect and respond to potential cases promptly. Public awareness campaigns are being ramped up to educate farmers and traders about the dangers of the virus and how to protect their flocks.

What Farmers Need to Know

Veterinary experts advise farmers to keep their poultry isolated and report sudden deaths to the nearest veterinary clinic.

“Early detection can help us contain the virus before it spreads further,” Dr. Gwarzo stressed.

Poultry sellers at Janguza market expressed concern over the situation.

“We are scared because bird flu is dangerous. We’ve seen cases in the past where it wiped out entire farms,” said Musa Abdullahi, a trader at the market.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has pledged to support farmers and ensure swift containment measures.

Impact on Poultry Businesses

While the outbreak remains confined to small-scale farms, fears of a wider spread have already begun to affect poultry businesses. Some traders reported a dip in sales as consumers grow wary of purchasing poultry.

“It’s tough right now. People are afraid to buy chickens, and we’re losing customers,” said Aisha Yusuf, a chicken seller at Sabon Gari market.

Authorities continue to reassure the public that with the right precautions, the outbreak can be contained.

“We are doing everything possible to prevent this from escalating,” said Dr. Gwarzo.

For now, Kano residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious bird deaths to veterinary authorities.

As of December 31, 2024, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has signed a total of 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), according to a statement by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on Tuesday.

This figure is 2,919 fewer than the total number of C-of-O certificates printed and signed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over the 13-year period from 2010 to 2023.

Olayinka also stated that once the necessary payments are made, land allottees can now receive their C-of-O within two weeks.

He said: “One of the reasons land allottees do not find it compelling to pay for their C-of-O is because when they pay, they wait for years. But in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, that has changed now.

“Even uploading of necessary information to show when a C-of-O is collected as well as details on the collector that used to take months, is now done within 72 hours”.

Giving details of C-of-O produced and signed in the FCT in the last 15 years, the Minister’s spokesman said; “From May 2010 to May 2015, a total of 5,655 Certificates of Occupancy were produced and signed.

“From May 2015 to May 2019, a total of 1,174 Certificates of Occupancy were produced and signed, while 1,571 were done between May 2019 and May 2023.

“Meanwhile, from May 2023 that President Tinubu assumed office till December 31, 2024, a total of 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy were produced and signed by the FCT minister.

“Also, in the next few weeks, land allottees whose C-of-O are ready for collection will begin to receive auto-generated SMS because it has been discovered that most of them don’t even know that their title documents are ready.”